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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Tattoos consist of thousands of particles of tattoo pigment suspended in the skin. Laser treatment causes tattoo pigment particles to heat up and break into smaller pieces. These smaller pieces are then removed by the body. Multiple factors contribute to the success of laser tattoo removal, one of which is a client’s own immune system.

The number of sessions and time between treatments depends on various factors, including: skin type, location, colour, amount of ink, the age of the tattoo, and layering. Complete laser tattoo removal requires numerous treatment sessions, usually at least 6 weeks apart. Treating more frequently than six weeks increases the risk of adverse effects and does not increase the rate of ink removal. Tattoos located on the extremities, such as the ankle, generally take longest, as well as very large tattoos. Most clients find that they require between 10-15 sessions for complete removal, or between 4-6 sessions for an effective cover-up.

Laser removal can generally remove up to 95% of the pigment. Not all tattoos will reach 95% removal, depending on depth of ink and colours of pigment. Most tattoos will lighten to the level that they can’t easily be noticed, but small traces of ink will still be present.

Certain colours have proved more difficult to remove than others. The most effective removal is on black or grey ink and most red pigments. Green ink has always posed a problem and generally can’t be removed with the Q-Switched YAG laser. White and yellow are generally not able to be removed effectively.

No, laser tattoo removal does not cause scars. Scarring is very rare and only occurs when clients don’t care for the treated area properly. We will provide you with an aftercare sheet explaining how to take care of it. You must follow the instructions we give you – most importantly covering the area with an ice pack after treatment – in order to avoid scarring or any adverse effects from the laser.